john legend

I think the number of breakers (not at Piha) in trot race starts has not improved much over the years and the larger punters avoid them . mobiles should be the preference ,at least would help. but Clubs were instructed to card at least 2 trot races which proved to be lower betting figures.so were reluctant to add more trot races if enough pacers were available.Harsh as it may seem USA and Europe have big penalties for Trotters breaking at start or during race especially "free of interference" so it is not the Clubs at fault. (entirely )

Read Mark Jones view. He may not be so enamoured with this stupid new rule when he gets fined.It maybe in contravention of human rights which would supercede rules of harness Racing . would have thought if such a major "problem"existed a simple request to all drivers would suffice. The rule book was getting out of hand 30 years ago and it was cut down but now it has expanded to a major volume again .If image (not substance)is the concern then tell us all and lets move on. (and Mark seems to indicate us owners and punters that are the source of his income dont know what happens on raceday because we are not drivers. I have been watching harness racing for the last 62 years and do understand what is discussed. Abuse of young less experienced drivers did sometimes happen from senior drivers but much less these days.

Stupid rule .sometimes drivers can see gear fault on another easier than that driver. can they not speak, maybe course in lip reading??What about drivers room ? hidden microphones ? What is wrong anyway with a chat pertaining to race.... eg. if you get front will you hand up> (maybe beneficial to both.) drivers often fly together so now what? seated separately then might (god forbid )share taxi to the races... (taxi drivers used to like talk in cab re chances ) Where did the need for it come from ? a disgruntled punter ? probably .we all have been that one. and if a driver appeared to let a friend/or stable horse gain an advantage ,then stipes can see replays and decide action. We have greater matters to deal with , just plain silly .IMHO

Maybe a Club with a fast track could put up a fair amount for Pin Seeker to attempt to become first harness horse to break the 1.50 barrier (current fastest Border Control 1.50.6) maybe Cup day Addington.assuming he not in Cup... nice drawcard.(never rains cup day !) OK the lucky owners by now tired of advice but would be good advert for the NZ industry.... (say The Entain pace for the new generation) even make a little race with 2or 3 others to qualify as a race. better than a time trial.... just a thought . lol

He appears to have no problems racing passed quality horses such as BD Joe and co. so open class is the standard for him. ps. love to see what he would do to an up to 70 rating TAB set 1.01 to win lol

Well spotted JJ. The finish of Pinseeker was incredible to make up so much ground on the mighty Republican Party ( a 15 race winner & $362500 ) and given the same time was amazing. Pinseeker had a trial recently where I thought the last quarter in 25.8 was an error but what happened in the Hannon proved how much potential PinS has . With all the retirements lately ,great to see an emerging star. Superb placement by Trainer Johnny Cox is your answer above.(in my humble opinion )

Otaki ok gone from 1 meet (after Watrarapa(Tauherenikau} to total 3 meetings.

Good to read all the positives for the Manawatu Track.. From an owners perspective,it is excellent news. Congrats due to President Dan Lynch and the committee for their hard work for harness racing in the area. 18 meetings with good stakes is indeed a very positive move.... 1 more selfish matter ,dont tell too many harness racing owners as us locals would like to get an advantage before a flood of horses arrive from Cambridge and points South !!! lol.

I know it has been raised before but................... Has there been any logical answer as to why there seems to be a policy not to disclose or even discuss place bets... on trackside. Fixed or tote. I have a feeling the only answer is that us punters would be too confused with 4 columns.... (one thing in Business is to listen to what your clients want ) I can handle 4 columns and therefore most would be ok with it. also the trainers and drivers on the starters in each race stays for around 6 or 7 seconds then changes again not helpful especially when there is a pause after they appear . I feel it is having to fit in on a world program and too bad for the NZ customers... but in general there are excellent improvements and things are looking good for the future....

would like to add that breeding experts over the years did consider if a super sire did emerge eg. bettors delight or some beach somewhere a breeding cross less than 7 could be tried, but .... there is a chance for any genetic defect no matter how small to be magnified and therefore strong opinions that not worth the risk.(and breeding to race is risky enough !!)

neither these examples,,, and I hope the gelding produced does win for the owners but do not like the breeding if it was deliberate .

I cannot believe a conscious decision was made to produce a foal inbred these days... However without naming names it is sad to see this happen. The rules of breeding with pacers is the basic types of breeding but inbreeding is a no no. ie. no genetic double ups producing a number below 6 .. Line breeding works in third and fourth generations but not a 2 x 2 as in this case . Of course successful crosses are good to note and copy as they do give a strong indication of future success. and an introduction of good sires and performers with contrasting pedigrees is excellent and often produce the top class performers. Would appreciate a clarification .

last race today addington, ocean breeze spectacular last to 2nd only missed by a head ... so just follow next race ....

Have I missed something (likely) but hope she just on holiday as becoming an excellent driver ?

Just a PS. did get Magician at @$2.60 fixed. Tote went crazy last 60 seconds...not my fault .. lol